Wildlife Roundup: Bear activity declining

Welcome to the Juneau area Wildlife Round Up. The intent of this column is to provide Juneau residents updates on wildlife activity in the Juneau area and general interest wildlife information.

Local Black Bears: Black bear activity in Juneau is showing a seasonal decline.

• A single bear complaint was received from Franklin Street downtown.

• Bears have been reported in Lemon Creek and Switzer Creek neighborhoods.

• Bears are being reported in multiple neighborhoods near Valley Boulevard.

• Bear activity has been reported along Glacier Highway between Brotherhood Bridge and Auke Bay.

• Bear activity has been reported near Lena Point and Tee Harbor.

The number of bear complaints received by the department has started to decline. Bears are likely beginning to move to areas in preparation for hibernation. Bears are still active in areas where berries persist and late salmon runs occur. While bear activity appears to be decreasing, residents should continue to remove all attractants from their home, and secure household garbage in a bear resistant container until the day of pick up, and to ensure that cans and dumpsters are maintained appropriately. Most of Juneau has received new garbage cans. These cans are not bear proof or resistant. Garbage cans should be stored in bear proof containers until the day of pick up.

To date, department staff have relocated five black bears from Juneau, and euthanized two during 2012.

• For additional information, please contact the Douglas Area wildlife Office at 465-4359.